Dhammayut monks to wear uniform color starting from this year’s Vesak

BANGKOK, 16 February 2014 The Dhammayut Order in Thailand has announced that all Dhammayut Buddhist monks and novices will start to wear robes in the traditional color following His Majesty the King’s suggestion from 13 May 2014 onward.

Acting head of the Dhammayut Order Somdej Phra Wannarat signed the announcement on the wearing of robes in the traditional color on 14 February 2014. The uniform robe color came after His Majesty the King suggested that Buddhist monks should wear robes in the same color for standardization. The color, selected by HM the King, has since then called the traditional color and been the color of the robes HM the King has given to Buddhist monks on his sponsored merit-making ceremonies.

Dhammayut monks and novices will start wearing robes in the traditional color on Vesak Day this year or 13 May 2014.

The color of robes worn by most Dhammayut monks at present is yellow-dark brown while the traditional color is lighter. Robes in the traditional color are usually worn by the monks who attend royal ceremonies at the Grand Palace and royal rank ceremonies of Buddhist monks.